Who Should Be the 2017 Yardfest Headliner?

Yardfest is a special occasion. For Harvard students, it’s one of the few events where the student body comes together. Central to Yardfest is a headliner that is accessible, well-known, and that has danceable songs. We decided to compile a list of the best possible Yardfest headlining acts.

The ChainsmokersAfter the success of their song “Closer,” the Chainsmokers would be an exciting selection for many millennials. While their discography isn’t deep, they’re known for their captivating live shows and hit songs that the average student knows and can dance to. For a show where people want hype music and a danceable set, the Chainsmokers are a great choice.

Carly Rae JepsenAfter coming out with one of the best albums of a historically great year and an excellent EP, Carly Rae Jepsen would be an excellent Yardfest choice. She has a deeper catalogue than most Harvard students realize and has a fun and dynamic stage presence. Jepsen as a Yardfest artist would tie together delightful 80s revival pop and an indie sensibility, making her an overall perfect artist to appeal to a student body with a wide variety of tastes.

Dean KhuranaRakesh Khurana is a multitalented man and as a musical act, he could be legendary. As Dean of the College, it’s his job to accommodate students’ needs and Khurana could put on the perfect show. He’s dynamic, friendly, and best of all, he has millennial appeal. While some of his recent policies have caused controversy, this could be a way for him to stage the perfect comeback. And even if the show isn’t great, a Dean Khurana Yardfest would certainly be a transformative experience.

NickelbackOne of the biggest bands in the world and the most successful foreign act after the Beatles, Nickelback has jams everyone knows. Yardfest attendees could rock out while appreciating an available band that helped define a decade. A live Nickelback show would be embracing a sort of nostalgia for our youths when life was simple. Besides, don’t we all just wanna be big rockstars?

YouYou’d be the perfect choice! You have so much talent. Surely you could captivate the whole Yardfest audience with your skills for an hour or so. Just go up and sing! Play an instrument if you like. We’ll certainly be entertained by your charm, your quirkiness, and your talent. Truly you would be the best act the College Events Board could hope to find. Yardfest 2017 would be such a memorable event and it’d all be because of you. If nothing else, you are special.

—Staff writer Edward M. Litwin can be reached at edward.litwin@thecrimson.com.